Home > Skin Diseases > Rosacea   A common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Also known as Acne Rosacea, patients with rosacea often have triad of findings, usually limited to the face and found in people in mid-life. The findings are superficial veins on the cheeks and nose (sometimes called broken veins), a tendency to flush and blush, and an acne-like rash on the central face. Treatment consists of external and internal prespcription medications with IPL Fotofacials and Chemical Peels. Minimizing Flare-Ups Lifestyle modifications go hand-in-hand with medical care in the successful treatment of rosacea. By making certain changes to your lifestyle, you can often avoid flare-ups that are due to increased blood flow to the cheeks. Here are some lifestyle modifications that may help minimize your flare-ups: ㆍSteer clear of rubbing, scrubbing or massaging the face, which can irritate the skin. Gently apply all ㆍsoaps, moisturizers, sunscreens and other products. ㆍAvoid hot drinks, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. ㆍProtect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and ㆍwear protective clothing: long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat. ㆍTry not to become overheated. Avoid hot baths and showers. Try to exercise where it is cool. ㆍBe sure to protect your skin from extreme cold, which can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up. ㆍDo not use cosmetics, soaps, moisturizers and other facial products that might contain ㆍingredients, such as alcohol and fragrances, which irritate the skin. ㆍBe careful not to get hair spray on your face. Since what triggers rosacea in one patient may not trigger it in another, dermatologists recommend that rosacea sufferers keep a diary of flushing episodes and note associated foods, products, activities, medications or other triggering factors.